Fatigued Truck Drivers in South Windsor Accidents

Long-haul truck operators spend hours at a time behind the wheel to deliver essential goods throughout the country. The significant size of commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers, makes them challenging to operate and control under the best circumstances. When truckers are exhausted from a lack of sleep, they are more likely to make mistakes that can have deadly consequences. For more information and guidance, speak to a compassionate expert in handling claims resulting from fatigued truck drivers in South Windsor accidents. Call Berman, Russo & Merwin today.

The Risks of Fatigued Truck Operation

Adequate sleep significantly improves physical health and brain performance. Getting enough sleep is crucial for truckers responsible for handling semi-trucks safely. According to studies found on the National Library of Medicine website, fatigued truckers account for approximately 13 percent of collisions. Examples of issues related to a lack of sleep include:

• Impaired reflexes
• Slower reaction times
• Poor judgment and decision-making
• Decreased alertness and cognitive impairment
• Increased risk of dozing off behind the wheel
• Higher likelihood of automatic behavior associated with daydreaming or zoning out

An attorney specializing in fatigued truck driver crashes in South Windsor could conduct a deep investigation and evidence analysis to determine crucial details about an accident as well as establish liability.

Examples of Recoverable Damages for a Truck Wreck

Examples of the type of compensation – also known as damages – available to an injured person after collisions caused by fatigued truckers in South Windsor include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional and psychological distress
• Lost salary, employment benefits, and earning potential
• Prescriptions, medical devices, and travel costs for healthcare appointments
• Loss of the enjoyment of life or participating in activities they liked before the accident
• Current and future medical care, including emergency room visits, ambulance rides, follow-up care, physical therapy, and more

The civil court judge and jury will review the case specifics, such as the severity of bodily harm and accident circumstances, to determine the settlement amount. Our team could help ensure that this number adequately reflects the full amount of an injured person’s losses.

Trucking Regulations Regarding Hours-of-Service

Federal and state regulations strictly regulate the commercial truck industry, including enforcing rules about the maximum service hours in shifts. The state adopted federal legislation at the 49 Code of Federal Regulations § 395, which limits the trucker’s driving time. Examples of the hours-of-service rules include:

• Truckers must drive no longer than 11 hours after ten hours off the clock
• When the operator is on duty but also handling other duties for part of the time, they may not drive over 14 hours after the time they clock in
• The maximum time on duty for those working seven-day shifts is 60 hours, and 70 hours for eight-day workweeks
• The minimum time they must remain off the clock to reset the week is 34 consecutive hours

Truck drivers are required to log their hours daily using an electronic logging device (ELD) for regular review by their employer or after accidents. Failure to comply could lead to suspension of their commercial driver’s license (CDL), fines, and other penalties. Our qualified lawyers specialize in South Windsor accidents from fatigued truck drivers and understand the industry’s rules and regulations. We could request the ELD records to determine compliance with federal law.

Speak to Our Attorneys About South Windsor Fatigued Truck Driver Accidents

Truck drivers are crucial for the health of the United States economy. Handling these massive vehicles is difficult and requires extensive training and conformity with state and federal guidelines, including adequate rest before and after each shift.

You could be eligible for compensation for your injuries and losses when a fatigued South Windsor truck driver’s actions or inactions causes an accident. Call Berman, Russo & Merwin today to begin reviewing the details of your situation.